Whitchurch Bridge set to remain closed

WHITCHURCH Bridge will not be re-opened now until September, it was announced today.

The bridge was shut for refurbishment in October and was due to re-open on April 14 but last month it was revealed the date had been put back to July.

Now it has gone back again with a precise date for re-opening yet to be named.

The Whitchurch Bridge Company said that the exceptionally high river levels since the start of the year had prevented any work taking place.

A statement said: “As the river needs to be open for boat traffic from March 31, we have had to undertake a detailed review of how the works can be safely recommenced in these changed circumstances which add complexity to the project.

We expect that the improving river conditions will enable us to restart work by the end of March.”

Mike Beckley, chairman of the Whitchurch Bridge Company, said: “The company again expresses its regret for the disruption caused by the reconstruction of the bridge and looks forward to re-opening this vital community asset as soon as possible.”